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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tempe

Our Recommended Top 20

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Tempe Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

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20Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

2151 E Broadway Rd Ste. 107, Tempe, AZ 85282
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (468)
Yelp
4.0 (48)
Facebook
5.0 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC, offers legal services to the people of Tempe. A criminal defense law firm, it deals with all kinds of misdemeanor and felony cases, from shoplifting and assault to armed robbery and manslaughter. The law firm’s legal team also takes on cases involving DUI, traffic offenses, sex crimes, and personal injury. Founder and owner Matthew Lopez has been an active member of the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice since 2010. He is also affiliated with the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association.

  • Probation Violation
  • DWI/DUI
  • Internet Crime
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • Arraignment
  • Expungement
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Matthew Lopez - Managing AttorneyActive14 yrs

Tempe, AZ

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Tempe? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

8010 E McDowell Rd #111, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

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Review Sources

Google
4.7 (91)
Avvo
5.0 (32)
Yelp
4.5 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Rosenstein Law Group is located near Tempe. Its attorneys provide aggressive criminal defense for those who've been accused of crimes such as fraud, theft, assault, or drug trafficking. Additionally, its legal team handles defense for individuals who've been accused of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Services are available for clients of all ages, including juvenile offenders. Managing attorney Craig J. Rosenstein is a board-certified DUI defense attorney and a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Craig Rosenstein - Owner/FounderActive18 yrs
Vicki LopezActive39 yrs
Howard DwormanActive8 yrs
James David SmithActive15 yrs
Steven ScharboneauActive4 yrs
Sophie CarneyActive2 yrs

1910 South Stapley Drive, Mesa, AZ 85204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (64)
Yelp
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Tobin Law Office is a criminal defense law firm that serves clients across the valley including Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler. A team of attorneys represents clients charged with DUI, civil and criminal traffic violations, felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence, and other criminal charges. Former prosecutor and founder, Timothy J. Tobin, focuses on giving clients personal attention and represents them throughout the entire legal process. His practice areas are also concentrated on disorderly conduct, property damages, and shoplifting.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Timothy Tobin - PrincipalActive10 yrs

11111 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Website

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Review Sources

Facebook
4.7 (12)
Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Rideout Law Group serves residents of Tempe, assisting individuals who have been accused of a crime. Its legal team handles sensitive cases in a confidential manner and crafts the most applicable defense strategies for its clients. Brad Rideout, the firm's managing attorney, has extensive experience in criminal law—including having served as a prosecutor for the Mohave County Attorney’s Office and the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office. He handles a variety of felony and misdemeanor cases, from DUI and drug sales to kidnapping. The practice extends to divorce and juvenile law.

  • Juvenile Crimes

2266 South Dobson Road Suite 200, Mesa, AZ 85202
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

DUI Lawyers of Mesa caters to at-fault drivers in Tempe and nearby metros. It offers legal counsel and representation to first-time to third-time offenders facing charges for aggravated and extreme DUI violations. The law practice assists defendants in developing strategies to resolve or drop various penalties, including imprisonment, license suspension or revocation, fines, and probation. Negligent drivers also undergo community service and substance abuse training. The firm's team carries over three decades of combined industry experience.

  • DWI/DUI

20 East University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (4)
Yelp
4.5 (2)
Facebook
4.7 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C., is a Tempe-based law firm offering representation to individuals facing criminal charges. Its founding attorney, Richard Suzuki, has experience working as one of the prosecutors at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Using this experience, he and the rest of the legal team strive to create solutions that protect the interests of his clients. The firm represents clients in matters such as driving under the influence (DUI), drugs, violence, and theft.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Richard Suzuki - Founding AttorneyActive23 yrs

1204 E Baseline Rd, Suite 108,, Tempe, AZ 85283
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Bala Legal Services caters to clients in Tempe. The firm primarily deals with criminal defense cases and represents individuals accused of various offenses. These include domestic violence and DUI. The firm employs an aggressive approach in negotiation and litigation proceedings to obtain favorable results for clients. It also guides individuals looking to qualify for marijuana expungements. Adithya Bala, its sole practitioner, has been in the field since 2017. He is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a member of its Top 100 list.

  • Expungement
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

90 South Kyrene Rd., Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85226

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Shell & Nermyr represents criminal defendants in Tempe. It takes on minor and major cases, from shoplifting and forgery to child abuse and murder. Its attorneys take the effort of defending cases in court instead of bargaining with a guilty plea. They have successfully handled jury trials resulting in not guilty verdicts and case dismissals. Individually, Chad Shell and Mark Nermyr have over 20 years of criminal defense experience. Both are admitted to practice before the U.S. Federal District Court of Arizona.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Nermyr - Managing PartnerActive22 yrs

4545 N. 36th St. Ste 202, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (17)
Avvo
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

For over a decade, Law Offices of Kamille Dean, P.C., has been providing criminal law representation for clients in Tempe. Its sole legal practitioner defends individuals involved in felony cases, which include armed robbery, drug possession, murder, and sexual assault. She helps people facing misdemeanor charges such as disorderly conduct, DUI, and violations of orders of protection. Dean previously worked alongside criminal law specialist, Robert Campos and assisted him in several jury trials. She is a former public defender for Maricopa County PDO.

  • DWI/DUI

301 W. Warner Rd. Suite 133, Tempe, AZ 85284

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (10)
Google
4.6 (9)
Facebook
4.8 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod, P.C., defends clients against criminal accusations in courts in Tempe and the surrounding areas. Its sole practitioner, Craig Penrod, is a certified criminal law specialist. For the past 40 years, he has advocated for the rights of citizens accused of drug-related violations, sex offenses, and vehicular manslaughter or homicide. He also represents those who were pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

301 West Warner Road Suite 133, Tempe, AZ 85284
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (25)

Why choose this provider?

Brian Dipietro Law, PLLC provides criminal defense in the Tempe area. Brian Dipietro, a partner at the firm, assists clients in navigating the criminal justice system and defending their rights both in and out of court. He handles cases involving bribery, forgery, property damage, and shoplifting. He also defends the rights of people arrested for serious crimes such as homicide and kidnapping. Dipietro, a former prosecutor, has nearly 40 years of experience. He is a member of the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

406 W. 6th Drive, Mesa, AZ 85210
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2013, Rocha Law Firm protects the rights of individuals in Tempe and nearby locations. One of its practice areas is criminal law, providing counsel to clients dealing with drug and illegal possession of firearm cases. The legal office represents offenders during extraction hearing proceedings. It conducts investigations and helps defendants form strategies to reduce or drop serious penalties. It also handles matters involving immigration law. Founder Juan Rocha worked as an assistant federal public defender for six years.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

1761 East McNair Drive, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85283
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (9)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Lawson Law Office provides criminal defense for individuals in and around Tempe. Its attorney, Slade Lawson, protects the rights of clients accused of molestation, domestic violence, drug possession, credit card fraud, and kidnapping. He also represents individuals arrested for interfering with judicial proceedings. In addition, the lawyer handles traffic and juvenile cases. The board-certified criminal law specialist has taken on more than 8,000 criminal cases throughout three decades of practicing law.

  • DWI/DUI

60 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Suite 900, Tempe, AZ 85281
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (13)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Beam Law is a private legal practice that serves individuals and families in Tempe and the surrounding areas. It provides legal representation for various criminal charges, including misdemeanor and felony DUIs, drug sales and possession, and homicide. It also handles cases involving sex crimes, assault and violent crimes, and federal crimes. Principal attorney Henry Herrington Beam Jr. has over a decade of legal experience. He is a member of the American Society of Legal Advocates and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • DWI/DUI

60 E Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 900, Tempe, AZ 85281

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (11)
Google
4.6 (9)

Why choose this provider?

The Brudvik Law Office advocates for the rights of individuals in Tempe. One of its practice areas is criminal law, providing legal counsel to clients dealing with identity theft, harassment or repossession, shoplifting, robbery, and illegal drug possession cases. The full-service firm investigates to help defendants settle mandatory penalties, including probation, fines, and imprisonment. It also takes on immigration, probate, real estate, and family law matters. Principal Bill Brudvik is the former president of the North Dakota Municipal Attorneys Association.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

3200 North Central Avenue, Suite 1500, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Michael P. Denea, Attorney at Law, provides full-service criminal defense for individuals in Tempe and the surrounding communities. It represents clients in administrative proceedings, criminal appeals, felony and misdemeanor trials, and petitions for post-conviction relief. It handles cases involving DUI, drug offenses, property crimes, and probation violations. Michael Denea, the founding attorney, has a record of favorable case results, such as victories on appeal, acquittals after trial, and case dismissals. He has over 25 years of experience in the legal field.

  • DWI/DUI

222 S Mill Ave Suite 800, Tempe, AZ 85281

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (31)

Why choose this provider?

PHX Criminal Defense represents Tempe clients who are charged with crimes. The firm handles a range of cases, including DUI, computer crimes, forgery, domestic violence, kidnapping, and homicide. Michael Munoz, the firm's founder, leverages his extensive criminal law trial experience and negotiation skills to defend the accused. He keeps them informed on the implications of the charges and strategies used throughout the cases. Munoz, a former county attorney, prosecuted two high-profile second-degree murder cases in his final year at the office.

  • Internet Crime
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

827 North 5th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (21)
Avvo
5.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Garcia Law Firm, PLC, represents clients throughout Tempe who are facing allegations of criminal conduct. Firm principal Bernardo Garcia is a Spanish-speaking attorney who has more than 30 years of experience representing people with mental illnesses or substance dependence issues in cases ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree murder. He served as a former Executive Committee Member of the Hispanic National Bar Association. He is also a member of the Mental Health Legislation Subcommittee of the State Bar of Arizona.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

7702 E Doubletree Ranch Road Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (42)
Avvo
5.0 (11)
Justia
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Salwin Law Group is open to clients from Tempe and its neighboring metros. The practice covers cases involving different criminal law matters, including theft, drug crimes, vehicular crimes like DUIs, and felonies. Its lead attorney, Stewart Salwin, prioritizes an early start in mounting a defense for clients, employing proactive methods like discussions with prosecutors and the independent gathering of witnesses and evidence. Salwin, a graduate of Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, served as a former prosecutor—an experience that informs his practice in protecting the rights of the accused.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Assault

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tempe, Arizona?

    Dial 480-350-8311 to call the Tempe Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

  • What should you look for in a defense lawyer to help with your criminal case in Tempe?

    When you’re facing criminal charges in Tempe, it would be wise to choose a defense lawyer who has experience handling your type of charge. Other key factors you should consider are if the attorney has positive case results for former clients, has local experience in Tempe, maintains open communication with clients, and has access to top-level resources like expert witnesses.

  • How much does hiring a Tempe criminal defense lawyer cost?

    Criminal defense lawyers in Tempe do not have a fixed rate for providing legal representation, as no two cases they handle are ever the same. Usually, private lawyers will either charge a flat fee or by the hour. The factors that can affect a lawyer’s fee are the type of case they are handling and how much work it requires.

  • Will you get arrested if you violate your probation terms in Tempe?

    It is possible for you to get arrested if you fail to meet any of the conditions of your probation terms in Tempe. Some of the most common probation terms include not possessing a firearm, submitting to chemical tests, not committing a new crime, and required meetings with your probation officer. If you commit a probation violation, your assigned probation officer can issue an immediate warrant for your arrest.

  • Are there alternatives to going to jail in Tempe?

    In Tempe, there are some cases that may qualify for a diversion, an alternative sentence that the state can offer in lieu of having an offender serve jail time. Diversionary programs are normally offered to treat defendants with underlying problems like addiction and mental health disorders and to reduce their risk of repeating their offenses. If a person successfully meets all the requirements of their program, their charges can be dismissed.

  • Can you set aside your criminal conviction in Tempe?

    While expungement or the elimination of a particular criminal activity from your record is not allowed under Arizona law, setting aside a conviction may be an option for you so you can put your past behind you and get on with your life. If your petition is granted, the court will order a dismissal of your case, vacate the guilty judgment, and may issue a certificate of second chance.